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Build a Wooden Concrete Bull Float

Introduction: Build a Wooden Concrete Bull Float

I needed a bull float for some concrete work I was doing at home but didn't want to pay over $200.00 to get one. I didn't want to rent one because the projects were happening over a period of months which could cost me more than buying one. So using item from around the house I made a smaller version of what the pro's use, for about $5.00 or less.

Step 1: Gathering Items Needed

The items need can vary in size depending on what hardware you have.The items needed for this project are:1) dust mop with removable handle2) 3 eye bolts, if using a wooden handle use the screw in type if not use the bolt on type.3) 4 drywall or wood screws 4) short piece of a 2x45) fence tacks6) flexible wire cable7) 1/2 to 1/4 sheet of 1/2 to 3/4 inch plywood8) duct tape9) 2 ferrules10) (optional) metal lever

Step 2: Measuring and Cutting

First removed the handle and mop cover from the dust mop, and tossed the mop cover.Next measure the size of the mop head, mine was 3 feet long. Next I marked and cut the plywood. I made mine 4 feet long and 18 !/2 inches wide.The length I did because I didn't want it to be to long or heavy and the width was already cut from a past project so make it larger and wider if you want.

Step 3: Tacking It Down

Next I centered the mop head and tacked it down with fence tacks. You want to make sure the smooth side is down on the plywood. It will make a smoother finish on the concrete.

Step 4: Placing the Block

Next I put the handle back on so I could center a piece of scrap 2x4 behind it. The block is there so you can get a tilt on the front of the blade.Next I determand if my 2 inch dry wall screws were long enough to go through the block and into the plywood but not through the plywood.Next I removed the handle and then predrilled 4 holes in the 2x4 so the 2x4 wouldn't split and screwed it down.

Step 5: The Lever

Next I placed the handle back on. At this point you have two options. First you can continue on with the next step or just wire the handle to the block. The next step gives you some flexibility with the floats head.Next I salvaged a lever off of a roto tiller but you can find one off of a old squeeze mop or ignore this step all together and make a finger loop in the cable later.Next I drilled a hole near the top, slightly larger than the peg I was using, and then put the lever together.

Step 6: Eye Bolts

Next I drilled a hole near the bottom for an bolt on eye bolt. If using a wooden handle I would predrill for the screw in type of eye bolt.Next I predrilled a hole, in the plywood, for an screw in type of eye bolt

Step 7: Wiring It All Up

Starting at the bottom Eye bolt attach the cable with the ferrule.Next feed the cable through the bottom eye boltsNext duct tape the lever to the handle.Take the cable and cut it to length and attach it to the lever.

If you decide not to use a lever you can feed the cable through an eye bolt at the top and then make a loop in the cable so you have a finger hold

Step 8: That's It

The only thing I had to buy was the fence tacks and the ferrules.This project took me 2 hours not counting the prep time which I did over a week period.

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3 Discussions

Good idea. as a concrete guy, i suggest making the float in a flattened oval shape like the frame you used. it'll keep the corners from digging in and put a little more downwards pressure on the edge. very good 'able